Eddie Jones, Grant Hill, were all hyped up as "baby" Jordans when they came out. It's driving me nuts how they're comparing LeBron James to Jordan, HE IS NOTHING LIKE JORDAN IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM. LeBron is a highlight machine in my opinion, he does have a lot of talent, but god damn, cool it on the Jordan comparison. Seriously though, I wish we would all stop comparing people to Jordan. Kobe is not Jordan, he's Kobe. I want to see Jordan make 3 pointers at the difficulty Kobe was making them these past few games, fact of the matter is, there has been no one, and I mean no one make those kind of shots besides Kobe, not even Reggie Miller. Kobe is in a league of his own, just like Jordan, just like Iverson, etc. **** even LeBron, I hate the kid but he is good. 1
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">They gotta guy over there who is getting as much, if not more, glory for attempting to be the next Jordan</div> Has anyone else noticed that LeBron has NEVER, not once, received ANY criticism for wearing # 23? He's been referred to as "the other 23" ...." another guy wearing 23 these days" but no one has ever questioned why he wore that number. And yes...I know he wore it in HS but it's the same thing. If Kobe donned 23 10 years ago when he was a rookie, he would have been shot.
Who cares if he had #23 in high school, the guy was born in 1984 FOR CHRIST'S SAKE, when Jordan was in his prime this guy was in his pampers. It's no excuse. I'm so sick of everyone jumping on the #23 bandwagon, pick your own damn number, be original. YES, THAT MEANS YOU TOO VON WAFER!! j/k.
A lot is being made about Kobe's offense the last four games, but he's also been killing it defensively. Just take a look at the scoring discrepency versus his matchup. 45 v. Pacers - SJax (8pts) + F. Jones (9pts) 17 total points Difference: +28 50 v. Clippers - Cassell (9pts) + Livingson (6pts) 15 total points Difference: +35 48 v. 76ers - Iggy (14pts) + Salmons (8pts) 22 total points Difference: +26 45 v. Grizzlies - E. Jones (17pts) + D. Jones (8pts) 25 total points Difference: +20 He's outscored his opponent match-up 188 to 79. Let's look at the FG% as well using the same players... Kobe Bryant 43.8% v. Pacers - Combined 27.8% Kobe Bryant 41.5% v. Clippers - Combined 35.7% Kobe Bryant 65.5% v. 76ers - Combined 60.0% Kobe Bryant 35.4% v. Grizzlies - Combined 52.9% Complete domination on both sides of the ball.
Damn, great work shape!! I appeciate you taking the time to make that comparison for us. That is amazing! Truly the best guard in the league, I mean I'm not too big of a fan of letting stats do the talking, but that's nice! Keep it up Kob!
here's a snippet of an interview i found on Kobe being compared to Jordan: Q: Do you feel the pressure of being considered the main candidate to be the heir of Jordan as the best player ever? Kobe: I enjoy the pressure of being considered the next Jordan. I like that situation -- the one I've ever wished to live since I was a child. But, obviously, it's pretty soon to start talking in those terms. I just want to win as many rings as possible.
found another snippet from an interview about being compared to Jordan, this is Dec. 2001 BD: Has it been hard for you to forge your own identity with all the comparisons to Jordan, as well as having to share the spotlight with someone like Shaq? KB: As far as the Shaq thing, that's never bothered me one bit. We have complexly different identities and in L.A., that's not a problem, never has been. I have my own identity. As far as it being his team or my team, it's not either. We're the Lakers. We're the world champions, and our goat is to defend our title, period. The whole Michael thing does drive me nuts sometimes because people won't leave it alone. He's bald, I have hair. He's almost 40, I'm 22. Seriously though, I wish people would let it be and let me just be Kobe. BD: When do you think it will shirt to subside? KB: Over time, I guess. I don't know. I know that when I was first asked if the comparisons intimidated me, I was honest and said no. They took that and said, "All right, then, we're going to compare you." Now I almost wish I would've said yes, just so they would have left it alone, but hey, it's here, it's real, and I deal with it. BD: What are the differences you see between the two of you on the court? KB: Ballhandling. I like to handle the ball a lot more. That's one of my strengths and that's why Phil has me bring it up the court a lot, whereas Michael played more on the wing, in isolations, more back-to-the-basket stuff. --------------- Here's something interesting I read also in the interview: BD: You said recently that now you just dunk to make statements. Why is that? KB: I realize now that there's a strength in dunking that I can use to my advantage. When you dunk all the time it isn't as demoralizing to the opponent, but when you dunk at a key moment in the game you can use it to change the momentum. -------- I like the way this man thinks.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting illmatic:</div><div class="quote_post">Eddie Jones, Grant Hill, were all hyped up as "baby" Jordans when they came out. It's driving me nuts how they're comparing LeBron James to Jordan, HE IS NOTHING LIKE JORDAN IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM. LeBron is a highlight machine in my opinion, he does have a lot of talent, but god damn, cool it on the Jordan comparison. Seriously though, I wish we would all stop comparing people to Jordan. Kobe is not Jordan, he's Kobe. I want to see Jordan make 3 pointers at the difficulty Kobe was making them these past few games, fact of the matter is, there has been no one, and I mean no one make those kind of shots besides Kobe, not even Reggie Miller. Kobe is in a league of his own, just like Jordan, just like Iverson, etc. **** even LeBron, I hate the kid but he is good. 1</div> right on man! i too think that kobe is kobe... most people hate him simply coz of the rape case right? but as you all know the girl just wanted money out of kobe anyways... lebron can't be the next M.J. he is too big haha thats why he gets easy points. just like what iverson said "i don't wanna be like magir or bird, i wanna be known for my way" that's what everyone should think of kobe, is that he is doing it his way
yeah, he can accuse Kobe of cheating on his wife, but you can't accuse of him RAPE, anyone who believes he raped her is a god damn fool.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting ilive4ball:</div><div class="quote_post">Has anyone else noticed that LeBron has NEVER, not once, received ANY criticism for wearing # 23? He's been referred to as "the other 23" ...." another guy wearing 23 these days" but no one has ever questioned why he wore that number. And yes...I know he wore it in HS but it's the same thing. If Kobe donned 23 10 years ago when he was a rookie, he would have been shot.</div> The reason lebron is not getting all the hate, is that he's not compared to Jordan because they have similar games but because he's impacted the league at such a quik rate like Jordan did comming in. Also Lebron has his own game style he's a combo type player. kobe on the other hand, pretty much models his game after MJ to a t. All the great stars have to bring something new to the game, like lebron and dwade are doing now and what Jordan and magic etc. did before. When Kobe came in people just saw him as a jordan 2.0 copy. To put it bluntly James wearing number 23 is seen as a tribute, if kobe wore #23 it'd be considered a rip-off.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Johnnybrasco:</div><div class="quote_post">The reason lebron is not getting all the hate, is that he's not compared to Jordan because they have similar games but because he's impacted the league at such a quik rate like Jordan did comming in. Also Lebron has his own game style he's a combo type player. kobe on the other hand, pretty much models his game after MJ to a t. All the great stars have to bring something new to the game, like lebron and dwade are doing now and what Jordan and magic etc. did before. When Kobe came in people just saw him as a jordan 2.0 copy. To put it bluntly James wearing number 23 is seen as a tribute, if kobe wore #23 it'd be considered a rip-off.</div> And do you think thats fair?
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">impacted the league at such a quik rate like Jordan did </div> I agree with most of what you said, but this I'm not sure on- in what way has LeBron impacted the League besides financially? His team hasn't made the playoffs... Shaq impacted the League when he went west. He impacted the league when he went back east... Rasheed Wallace impacted the League when he went to Detroit. Mike Bibby impacted the league when he went to the Kings, Kidd to Jersey, Nash to Pheonix... LeBron fills up the stat sheet, but he has yet to translate those gaudy numbers into wins....Same with Dwayne Wade...
If Kobe can deal with the relationship with others better and get less off-court affairs, he'll be as good as Jordan. Frankly, i believe his skills and passion towards B-Ball is as good as Jordan. He's just a step away from being the best elite player ever.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting dingking:</div><div class="quote_post">If Kobe can deal with the relationship with others better and get less off-court affairs, he'll be as good as Jordan. Frankly, i believe his skills and passion towards B-Ball is as good as Jordan. He's just a step away from being the best elite player ever.</div> This is stupidity beyond its limitz. Please explain to me how kobes relationship has to do with being elite. Just because some stupid guy wrote some bull about him and odom feuding doesnt mean hes not elite. And if ur talking about shaq. Well Houston, You have a problem. Or should I say Back Spasms
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting dingking:</div><div class="quote_post">If Kobe can deal with the relationship with others better and get less off-court affairs, he'll be as good as Jordan. Frankly, i believe his skills and passion towards B-Ball is as good as Jordan. He's just a step away from being the best elite player ever.</div> Not sure if you were aware, but Jordan had plenty of off-court problems during his playing career. He had an extra marital affair, and a well documented problem with gambling. Jordan once knocked out Steve Kerr in the locker room, he slapped Horace Grant, he was a tyrant and demanded perfection from his teammates. He put the fear of god in them when he lead the Bulls. JohnnyBrasco can you tell me what LeBron and Wade have brought new to the game of basketball? LeBron has not impacted the league on the playing court ala Jordan. He's impacted the marketing aspect of the NBA like Jordan. LeBron has not even had a single post season game so it's not accurate to say his impact is as quick as Jordan. I'm blown away at how easy the game has come to him and the regular season performances he's had, especially at his age. However, LeBron is not close to being one of the elites in the league until he consistently dominates in the post season. The post season is all that matters and right he's unproven in that environment. The reason why LeBron is not getting hate is because the media is still on his side. If the media wanted to slam him and spin everything he does in a negative light, there is plenty available. Kobe on the otherhand is always villanized by the media .. ALWAYS! He scored 62 points in 3 quarters; instead of recognizing the accomplishment he's criticized for not staying in the game and getting more points, and he had zero assists. You know for damn sure if had stayed in the game the media would have blasted him for putting his personal records ahead of the team. Now if either Wade or LeBron dropped 62 points in 3 quarters, the media would hail them the next "IT." There is the sickening difference on the perception the media spins on these players. The sheep will continue to follow the coverage word by word, but a true fan of the game will see it how it is.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post"> JohnnyBrasco can you tell me what LeBron and Wade have brought new to the game of basketball? </div> Lebron and Wade are far from perfect but what they have brought to the league right now is a sense of originality that has been lost since Jordan left. Look at everyone who has come up since then; VC, tmac, kobe all those guys were just riding off of what Jordan did the way they played, their all good but still. Lebron and wade are unique players, you got lebron a magic sized player with flashes of the big O, and wade an undersized 2 who plays bigger than guys 6 inches taller. Also both of them have a much bigger team mentality them what the league has seen in a while. As for impact as well, Jordan had a huge impact on the league even when he was playing on crappy teams. So you can't say its just about winning that creates an impact. Jordan was the best player in the league even at 27, let alone 28.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting amador08:</div><div class="quote_post">Its not fair but people are ignorant and clueless sometimes =)</div> Most people. I think 4 out of 5 so called sports fans are..
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Johnnybrasco:</div><div class="quote_post">Lebron and Wade are far from perfect but what they have brought to the league right now is a sense of originality that has been lost since Jordan left. Look at everyone who has come up since then; VC, tmac, kobe all those guys were just riding off of what Jordan did the way they played,.</div> I dont know what the big problem is with this. Jordans formula won him 6 titles. You use what works man. If Jordans attitude, moves, etc.. worked.. why change it? Jordans game is proven. Others will follow.. Thats the nature of the game.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Empra!15:</div><div class="quote_post"> This is stupidity beyond its limitz. Please explain to me how kobes relationship has to do with being elite. Just because some stupid guy wrote some bull about him and odom feuding doesnt mean hes not elite. And if ur talking about shaq. Well Houston, You have a problem. Or should I say Back Spasms</div> Well, I just dont understand why kobe cant get along with his teammates? Shaq, Odom, Karl Malone and even phil jackson. He won three titles which he couldn't have got without Shaq. But he desperately kicked shaq out. The result is Lakers suddenly becomes a team which can only wandering around .50%. Not even the top 10 in the western division last season. What I mean is if kobe can get along with his team mate, he will be a undisputable legend of basketball.The Lakers could have a much higher record. But now, i doubt it. He's still not as good as MJ. But anyway, we'll see how good he can be in the future.
